Orthodontic emergencies are unexpected problems that require immediate attention from your orthodontist.
While most orthodontic issues can usually wait until your next appointment, specific situations demand immediate action.
On the other hand, a loose bracket or mild pain or discomfort due to orthodontic movement does not qualify as an emergency and can be addressed at home.
Common types of orthodontic emergencies
Now, let us explore what is considered an orthodontic emergency:
Orthodontic treatment emergencies typically involve severe pain, bleeding, gum irritation, or damage to your mouth or braces. All these issues can occur due to broken brackets or wires and loose orthodontic appliances.
Unlike other orthodontic issues, these situations can represent a hazard to your treatment, oral health, and, ultimately, your life.
Immediate Actions for Orthodontic Issues at Home
Dealing with broken braces
A broken bracket can be annoying but often is not a true dental emergency. If the bracket is completely detached from your tooth, gently remove it and save it for your orthodontist.
Keep in mind that losing your bracket can lead to additional repair costs. Therefore, store it safely and schedule a check-up as soon as possible.
Relieving discomfort from orthodontic appliances
The most common discomfort from orthodontic treatment comes from dental movement and natural soreness due to the metallic appliances.
While experiencing some discomfort after getting braces is normal, you can manage mild pain with over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Yet, be sure to consult your dentist before taking any medication.
Additionally, you can use orthodontic wax to cushion areas where the braces irritate your cheeks and anesthetic gels or sprays over the affected area to decrease pain. Also, you can help alleviate the symptoms by eating soft foods and avoiding hard or sticky substances.
Managing a loose wire
Sometimes, a loose wire can poke your cheeks or gums. However, you can use orthodontic wax or a piece of pencil eraser to cover the sharp end and prevent your brace from damaging your mouth.
Although it can be uncomfortable, avoid cutting or adjusting the wire yourself, as it can lead to further problems in your treatment. Instead, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to reattach or trim the wire as soon as possible.
When to Seek Professional Help
Signs that indicate the need for professional assistance
While many of the previous situations can be managed at home, certain issues demand immediate professional dental care.
Attend to the emergency room or your orthodontist’s practice if you notice any of the following:
- Severe pain that does not improve with medication.
- Persistent bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of applying continuous pressure.
- Difficulty breathing and experiencing choking or skin reactions.
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or fever
Under these signs of emergency, do not hesitate to seek emergency dental care.
How to find an emergency orthodontist
Always try to contact your orthodontist first. Your specialist knows all the details about your treatment and the next steps for your treatment plan, making it easier to find the cause and address the issues.
Yet, if you need urgent orthodontic care outside your regular appointment and cannot contact your orthodontist, try searching for a local dental emergency service.
Prioritize licensed professionals with experience and availability by searching online for “board-certified emergency orthodontist near me.”
Explain to your emergency care provider the situation as best as possible to avoid confusion and complications during your treatment.
What to expect during an emergency orthodontic appointment
The process of your emergency appointment depends on the service you receive.
If you manage to get an appointment with your dental clinic, you should expect a quick repair or placement with specialized tweezers and other orthodontic instruments.
Your orthodontist can trim the end of a poking wire with a specialized cutter, replace a broken archwire with a new one, and reattach a loose bracket in a few minutes.
On the contrary, real dental emergencies such as severe pain, fever, and allergic reactions require a more complex treatment with medication and longer appointments.
Although these scenarios are rare during orthodontic treatment, they should not be underestimated and treated promptly.
FAQs
Is a detached bracket an emergency?
No. Although you should inform your orthodontist about it, you can wait a few days with a loose bracket without having major issues with your treatment.
Is a poking wire an emergency?
It is usually not an emergency. You can address the issue with orthodontic wax or other measures. However, if the wire cuts your cheeks, you should book an appointment as soon as possible.
Is orthodontic pain an emergency?
No. Mild pain is frequent during orthodontic treatments, and there are multiple home measures to deal with it before you see your dentist. Consider that orthodontic discomfort typically refers to conventional painkillers or disappears a few days after your adjustments.
Is a broken archwire an emergency?
Typically, it is not an orthodontic emergency. Yet, try to set an appointment to continue your treatment as soon as possible.
What should I do with my broken or dislodged bracket?
Store and save all your damaged orthodontic appliances for your orthodontist, as they can provide valuable information about what went wrong.
Should I fix or glue my brackets at home?
Avoid making repairments, wire cuts, or any modification to your braces. Follow the previous recommendations and wait for your professional team’s assessment.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment can be stressful at first. However, knowing how to handle all the possible complications can ease your worries.
While you can manage most minor issues at home while you wait for your check-up, specific severe symptoms require immediate professional attention.
Finally, maintain good oral health and take care of your treatment with regular check-ups to avoid unexpected problems.
